Philippines is closing in on its 6.4 million visitation goal for 2026

Philippines surpasses 5 million foreign visitor arrivals in 2026, expecting late-year surge

Inside Asian Gaming
Newsdesk
10 November 2026

The Philippines is closing in on its 6.4 million visitation goal for 2026 after latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed international visitor arrivals have now surpassed 5 million.

DOT Secretary Ma. Bernardita Angara-Mathay revealed that the 5 million milestone was achieved on 4 November, adding that the agency expects to see visitation accelerate for the remainder of the year as greater demand somewhat offsets higher fuel prices, airfares and other travel costs.

According to comments from Angara-Mathay at an event, daily arrivals surged in October to around 26,000 from an average of between 12,000 and 13,000 previously, while Chinese visitation is nearing 500,000 for the year on the back of the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free policy. She added that around 10,000 delegates are also expected to arrive with their families this month due to ASEAN-related activities.

On current tourism levels, Angara-Mathay said, “Despite the fuel, the airfare, the cost, we maintained it. And we’ll go up by 3% [in 2026], I think.”

She also revealed that the DOT has submitted a position paper arguing for the 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese nationals to be extended, despite recent concerns that the program is being exploited to reestablish POGO activities.

Angara-Mathay has previously stated that she wants the program, currently in place for arrivals through Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, to be offered through more gateways, including Clark Freeport Zone.